WASHINGTON -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- On their son 's last night as president , a melancholy former President George H.W. Bush and his wife , Barbara , made an impromptu visit to the White House 's press briefing room and told reporters how much they 'll miss the building .

Ex-President George H.W. Bush says he 'll miss coming and going from the White House .

`` We will miss coming and going , but it 's time to move on , '' said the former president , who was a frequent visitor during his son 's two terms in office .

`` The Bushes are going to a happy life . ''

When a reporter suggested that perhaps one of their other sons , former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush , will take the White House someday , the former president smiled .

`` Maybe Jeb will do something . I 'd like to see him try , '' the former president said .

Barbara Bush , who was first lady from 1989 to 1993 , said the hardest part of the night was saying goodbye to the White House residence staff a second time .

`` In tears twice , '' she said , her eyes red .

She added that she and her husband are looking forward to attending Tuesday 's inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama .

`` Very exciting day , '' she said .

In addition to the inauguration , the former first couple was to attend a final dinner at the White House with current President Bush , first lady Laura Bush and the first couple 's two daughters , Barbara and Jenna .

As the former first couple left the briefing room , some reporters and photographers spontaneously started clapping out of respect . Your view of history

The ex-president , who was using a long walking stick to get around , quipped , `` You did n't clap when I was president , what the hell is going on ? ''

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Former president , wife visit White House on son 's last night as president

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George H.W. Bush smiles when reporter suggests other son could run

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Barbara Bush reflects on saying goodbye to White House staff for second time

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Former first couple attending inauguration of Barack Obama